Home | Search | Services | Resources | Advocacy |  Consumers |  Employment 
  Newsletter | Computers | Famous | About Us | Contribute | Contact Info

AHEAD OF THE TIMES
Volume 23, Number 2
November, 2002

STATE CANDIDATE FORUM HELD ON DISABILITY ISSUES
The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK) and the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent living (KACIL) hosted a forum of candidates for state office on October 16 at the Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel. 

Candidates for the Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, and Secretary of State were invited. Candidate for Attorney General Chris Biggs (D) participated. His opponent Phil Kline (R) did not attend. Both Insurance Commissioner candidates participated, Jim Garner (D) and Sandy Praeger (R). Dave Haley (D) candidate for Secretary of State participated. His opponent, Ron Thornburg (R) did not attend.
Candidates for Governor responded in writing to questions from SILCK and KACIL. Their responses appear below.

1. Long Term Care services for all popula-tions represents a significant portion of the state budget. When you add in school financing, it represents at least 85% of the budget. Given your priority for education funding, how will you as Governor protect essential services for people with disabilities and seniors and still present a balanced budget?
   
   Sebelius: Establishing a stable, permanent funding formula for the long term care programs and the many home and community based programs is both responsible and practical. Many of the one-time funds currently used, like the Intergovernmental Transfer Fund, will not be around to sustain these budgets. I believe that we must work to ensure that funding for these budgets is not based on questionable funds that can vanish from one year to another.
   
   Shallenburger: Essential services such as those for the disabled and seniors must be held harmless during this time of economic misfortune. Under my administration, the yearly scare tactics that threaten cuts to these services will end. Instead, we will send a strong message that inefficiencies and wasteful spending in Topeka will be identified and eliminated. I believe that there is enough waste in government that once eliminated will help assure that essential services are properly funded.
   
   As State Treasurer, I reduced the taxpayer-funded portion of the budget by over 30%, while improving services. This was accomplished by ridding the agency of wasteful spending without sacrificing the service provided to Kansans. This cleaning out of government can and will be done in every agency under my administration.
   
   
2. Waiting lists for community-based services on all waivers are growing at a rapid rate to the point where NO services are available other than Nursing Homes.ÿAt the same time, the population in nursing facilities and other institutions are going down, yet their budgets are increasing. Would you promote legislation that would allow accessing services regardless of whether people choose community based or institutional services?
   
   Sebelius: Home and Community Based Services provide many Kansans with an opportunity to receive the care they need while still maintaining normal ties with friends and family in their community. I support legislation that would allow accessing services regardless of whether people choose community based or institutional services.
   
   Shallenburger: The most important thing to remember is that those in need of services should receive them. As Governor, I would be open to any legislation that accomplished this. We should also remember that community based services is a win-win situation. The state benefits because of the reduced taxpayer cost and most importantly, the individual benefits by receiving help in a more desirable fashion. 
   
   
3. Many trends are changing as the baby boomer generation ages. As you select your Cabinet, what assurances can you give us that the individuals you select will embody the principles of independent living, self-determination, and freedom to choose where they live and receive services?
   
   Sebelius: As Governor, my administration will be a reflection of my principles and priorities. I have always fought to give the citizens of Kansas more options in making their decisions. When choosing those to serve within my Cabinet, I will insure that each and every individual shares that same commitment.
   
   Shallenburger: I will appoint Cabinet Secretaries that will be advocates for the people, not advocates for their own agency. In this case, I will appoint a Cabinet Secretary who understands the challenges involved in disability and senior issues. As a way to assure this, I will seek the advice of organizations such as SILCK, when making this determination.
   
   
4. In order to identify solutions to the challenges we now face, how accessible will your office be to the disability and aging community? 
   
   Sebelius: Effective leadership begins with listening. I have continually endeavored to make government more open to the needs of all Kansans. Only by creating and maintaining a dialogue can a state begin to be responsive to its citizens. Often, the aging and disabled communities have special needs that cannot be addressed through the normal course of government. I will ensure that these needs are heard and acted upon.
   
   Shallenburger: Again, this in large part has to do with selecting Cabinet Secretaries that are advocates for the people. Personally, I will always take an interest in the issues facing disabled and senior citizens. I believe I have a track record from my time in the House of Representatives that backs this up. 
   
   
5. Many consumers want more control in managing their long-term care services (LTC). Consumers want the opportunity to make their own decisions about the LTC services they receive so they can maintain their dignity and maximize their independence and autonomy. Consumer direction ranges from the consumer making all decisions to an advocate or surrogate managing services for the consumer. How will your administration support consumer self-direction over their LTC services?
   
   Sebelius: All people should have the same opportunities to make choices that affect their lives. Government regulations often unduly burden people's freedom to make those choices. Whenever feasible, individuals should have the opportunity to choose the course of their own care.
   
   Shallenburger: This once again proves that maintaining individuality is an important part of this process. We should always remember that we're not dealing with numbers on a budget report, we're dealing with human lives. Thus, creating an atmosphere where dignity can be maintained is a priority. 

Additional information from other candidates who attended the State Candidate Forum:

• During the forum, Attorney General candidate Chris Biggs (D) stated that if elected, he would ensure strong enforcement of Kansas civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability: the Kansas Act Against Discrimination, Kansas Architectural Accessibility Act, and recently passed Visitability in housing legislation [HB 2020]. He said he would work for a comprehensive and effective Olmstead plan in Kansas to ensure people with disabilities have an option to receive integrated, community based services. He would also review existing guardianship laws, and monitor the telemarketing no-call list.
  
  
• Insurance Commissioner candidate Sandy Praeger (R) said that if elected, she would promote change to expand the definition of durable medical equipment covered by insurance; have a statewide dialogue on how to make aging in place in one's home and community a reality; and said a state tax credit is needed to make long term care insurance affordable for all people. Praeger cited her many years of advocacy for people with disabilities while a State Senator: leading passage of the Working Healthy/Medicaid Buy-In program and mental health parity, funding for SRS home and community based services, and other issues brought to the legislature by the SILCK.
  
  
• Jim Garner (D) the other candidate for Insurance Commissioner, said he also supported a tax credit to make long term care insurance more affordable; a Medicare benefit that includes prescription drugs; and the importance of voting for a candidate who does not accept donations from the insurance industry. He supports denying the take over of Blue Cross/Blue Shield by Anthem. Garner cited his time in the legislature as minority leader of the House, support for the Physical Disability waiver, Visitability and other disability issues; his advocacy for full mental health parity and a prescription drug program in Kansas. Both candidates for Insurance Commissioner stated they would continue to work for issues of importance to people with disabilities.
  
  
• Candidate for Secretary of State David Haley (D) explained his goals of decreasing waste in the Secretary of State's office by reducing the budget by 10%, improve voter registration and voting; ensure voting sites are accessible for people with disabilities and using new technology that will make it easier for people to vote and insure an accurate count. He cited his work as a State Senator as an advocate for social and economic justice; would enhance penalties for hate crimes, curb racial profiling and enact Individual Development Accounts.

The Center will be CLOSED

• November 11 for Veterans' Day -- No Transportation will be available.
• November 28 - 29 for Thanksgiving --  No Transportation will be available.

OOPS!
In last month's newsletter we forgot to give a big thanks to a very important member of our Day of Caring volunteers - Phil Baer of Computer Support and Technical Services in Lawrence.

Besides donating his time on that Saturday, Phil has been instrumental in setting up our Computer Technicians Internship Program. The internship program is designed to provide our A+ Certification graduates with on-the-job work experience at a decent wage by providing reasonably priced on-site computer repair and support to area non-profits.

He has done a fantastic job and deserves applause. Everyone clap your hands for Phil Baer!

QUILTING/ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP
The Quilting/Arts and Crafts Group will meet Monday, November 18, 1 - 3 p.m. in the large conference room at Independence, Inc. Craft instructor, Ms. Wanda will demonstrate how to make fun and creative gift ideas for the holiday season. If you have any questions, contact Ranita at 785/841-0333.

MARTIAL ARTS PART 2
Last month members of the Peer Support Group learned about the ancient practices and holistic benefits of Tai Chi. Now join us for part two of our series on martial arts. On Tuesday, November 19, 5 - 7 p.m. in the large conference room, we will have a presentation on "Martial Arts and Self-Defense Techniques for People With Disabilities." For more information, contact Ranita at 785/841-0333.

FALL DINNER AND ABILITY AWARENESS PRESENTATION
The Cooking Club and Peer Support Group of Independence, Inc. invite you to the annual Fall Celebration Dinner on Monday, November 25. Here's a look at the day's agenda: 

• Pat Slick, volunteer extraordinaire is volunteering for the third year to teach people how to properly prepare a turkey. If you want to talk turkey then join Pat in the Independence, Inc. kitchen at 9:30 a.m.
• For those of you who want to skip the bird and go straight to the trimmings, then join members of the Cooking Club and Peer Support Group 3 - 6 p.m. for the meal preparation. During this time we will learn how to prepare sweet potato bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, pecan pie, and roasted winter vegetables. There will also be items available for vegetarians/vegans. 
• If you have a particular dish that you would like to share or an item that you would like to bring, you are welcome to do so. 
• We will serve the meal at 6 p.m.
• Please RSVP for the dinner and transportation by noon on Friday, November 22 with Ranita at 841-0333 or toll free 888-824-7277 

Presentation on Substance Abuse Recovery
After the dinner, we would like to invite you to join us 7 - 8:30 p.m. for the Fall Ability Awareness presentation in the large conference room on the topic of substance abuse recovery. We will have a panel of people who will share their personal stories about substance abuse. 

For more information about the Ability Awareness presentation, transportation, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Susan Mikesic or Ranita Wilks at 785/841-0333 or 888/824-7277. Please remember that Independence, Inc. is a scent-free zone.

GUITAR CLASS/AMSG 
(Another Music Support Group) is now forming
If you are interested in learning how to play guitar, working on tunes, or hanging out and talking about music - contact Tim Cross at 841-0333, timc@independenceinc.org. The first meeting will be held at Independence, Inc. Wednesday, October 30, 3 - 4:30 p.m. 

BREAKTHROUGH HOLIDAY MEAL
Breakthrough, a support group for people that are having emotional problems or who are lonely and want more friends, is sponsoring a Thanksgiving meal at Independence, Inc. on Tuesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. in the conference room. Please join us and bring a side dish. Main dish and drinks will be provided. For information, call Gordon at 764-8011 after 5 p.m. or Margaret Wedge at 842-0382. See you there!

MAGNET MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP
Jam Session and Drum Circle Monday, November 18, 4:30 - 6 p.m. at Independence, Inc.

LEARN ABOUT LEONARD PELTIER
Denis Mognihan from the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee will speak at Independence, Inc. on Monday, November 18, 10 - 11 a.m. Leonard Peltier is a Native American activist imprisoned in Leavenworth Penitentiary. Mr. Mognihan will educate us about the issues involved as well as the goals and purposes of the Defense Committee.

For information, contact Susan Mikesic at 785/841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277 or e-mail her at susanm@independenceinc.org. Please remember that Independence, Inc. is a scent-free zone and refrain from wearing scented products when visiting our center. Thank you.

VISTA AND AMERICORPS PROGRAM
Sara Albright from the Corporation for National and Community Service will speak at Independence, Inc. on Monday, November 4, 10 - 11 a.m. on the VISTA and AmeriCorps programs. This will be an opportunity to learn and ask questions about these job opportunities in community service. 

For information, contact Susan Mikesic at 785/841-0333 or toll-free at 888-824-7277 or e-mail her at susanm@independenceinc.org.

Please remember that Independence, Inc. is a scent-free zone and refrain from wearing scented products when visiting our center. Thank you.

GET A THANKSGIVING MEAL DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME
You may be eligible to receive a Thanksgiving meal delivered to your home. Call Susan Mikesic at 841-0333 by no later than November 21 for details. 

MORE INFO ON HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!
The House Care Access Resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 99 or HCAR) is a proposal that directs Congress to enact legislation by October, 2004 that provides access to comprehensive health care for all Americans. This could benefit people with disabilities tremendously by eliminating the falling-through-the-cracks, disincentives to employment, etc. HCAR doesn't endorse a particular model for a national health care program, but it does specify 14 principles that the program should incorporate. 

In August, we highlighted the principle of affordability in this newsletter. This month we are highlighting the principle of cost-efficiency. In a cost-efficient health care system, the maximum amount of dollars would be directed to patient care, rather than to paperwork, multiple processing of single claims, rejection of claims, insurance company profits, etc. For more information on HCAR, see the link on the Independence, Inc. website or call Dot Nary at 841-8890.

ARO BOARD MEETING
The ARO Board of Directors will be meeting on Monday, November 18, 3 p.m. at Independence, Inc. Tenants are invited to attend. Board members please contact Kelly at 841-0333 two weeks prior to the meeting to RSVP and provide agenda items. 

Recently the ARO Board applied for funds from the City of Lawrence Housing Trust Fund for resurfacing the parking lots, painting the buildings, and replacing the window trim. ARO thanks the Housing Trust Fund for the opportunity to apply for the funds.

HOME OF YOUR OWN
Don't forget that Independence, Inc. has a grant for first time homebuyers with disabilities who qualify for the Home Owners Out of Tenants Loan. Call Kelly at 841-0333 for more information.

For Sale: Three-wheel Rascal scooter. Call 913/599-6639. 

WANTED: Electric box or oscillating fans that are broken or that you no longer want. Any brand and size accepted. If necessary, unwanted fans can be picked up. Contact Michael at 785/840-9861, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

READ ABOUT CANDIDATE POSITIONS ON DISABILITY ISSUES
Candidates for U.S. Rep. Districts 2 and 3

We wanted to find out the positions and views candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in Districts 2 and 3, regarding issues that affect people with disabilities. We urge you to read on so you can be an informed voter on election day, November 5, 2002!

In the U.S. House of Representatives, District 3 race, Representative Dennis Moore (D), Adam Taff (R), and Doug Martin (L) responded. Dawn Bly (Reform candidate) did not.

In the District 2 race, only Dan Lykins (D) responded. Representative Jim Ryun (R) and Art Clack (L) did not respond. Dan Lykins response to all four questions was "Yes." The questions and more detailed responses of candidates for District 3 appear below.

1. If elected, would you actively support S1298, the Medicaid Community Attendant Services and Supports Act (MiCASSA)? MiCASSA would establish a national program of community-based attendant services & supports for people with disabilities.
   
   Rep. Dennis Moore: Yes. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3612, the House version of MiCASSA. I believe strongly that individuals should have the option to receive services in their own homes and that Medicaid should be changed by giving individuals the flexibility and independence to choose where and how they receive services.
   
   Adam Taff: Yes, I support MiCASSA legislation. Beneficiaries should have the opportunity to select where and how services are provided. I support legislation that promotes independent living and guarantees that individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or disability, have the freedom and flexibility to select their own service provider.
   
   Doug Martin: I believe we should do all we can together to support our citizens with disabilities. We are a great nation and a very charitable nation, so yes I would support S 1298 to ensure that our citizens with disabilities can enjoy a more fulfilling life.
   
   
2. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that children with disabilities be provided a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Do you believe children with disabilities should be educated in the general education classroom?
   
   Rep. Dennis Moore: Yes, and I have been working since being elected in 1998 to fully fund the federal government's promise to provide 40% of the cost of special education. Full funding would benefit all children in public schools and mean an additional $90 million a year for Kansas schools. It is the single most important thing the federal government could do to help our schools. Next year, Congress will be reauthorizing this important federal law, and you can be assured that I will do all that I can to ensure that all kids get an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.
   
   Adam Taff: Yes, I believe that children with disabilities should be afforded every opportunity to receive a public education in the least restrictive environment. Teachers, parents and local school boards are best qualified to determine how to educate children with disabilities. I oppose unfunded mandates on local school districts. I believe that the federal government should increase funding and provide greater flexibility in educating children with disabilities.
   
   Doug Martin: Personally I believe that children with disabilities should be treated as equals with other children, but I also understand that not every kid in the general education classroom is exactly "sensitive" to the feelings of other children. I believe the decision should be left to the parent or caregiver as to which classroom the child should attend.
   
   
3. If elected, would you vote for the Family Opportunity Act? Why or why not?
   
   Rep. Dennis Moore: I am a cosponsor of H.R. 600, the Family Opportunity Act. This important legislation will help hundreds of thousands of American families who have children with disabilities get access to Medicaid.
   
   Adam Taff: Yes, the states should have the ability to offer middle-income families with children with disabilities the option to buy into Medicaid.
   
   Doug Martin: Yes, I would vote for the Family Opportunity Act because it is the right thing to do. We as a great society should do all we can to make the lives of our children with disabilities more complete and fulfilling, and this includes providing them with access to needed health care services.
   
   
4. Do you support the Health Care Access Resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 99, directing Congress to enact legislation that provides access to comprehensive health care for all Americans?
   
   Rep. Dennis Moore: It has been one of my main priorities throughout my service in Congress to find a way to extend health insurance coverage to every uninsured or underinsured American. A majority of the uninsured work for small businesses, so I introduced legislation that would help these low-wage employees get health insurance. At this time, I believe that it would be most beneficial to focus our energy on ensuring that our current system, which centers around employer-based health insurance, covers as many individuals as possible. I think that approach should be complemented by expansions of and improvements in public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). I have gone door-to-door to help enroll kids in CHIP and support legislation to expand CHIP to include parents of low-income children as well as pregnant women. I also supported former President Clinton's effort to allow individuals under 65 to buy into Medicare.
   
   Adam Taff: Though our health care system is the finest in the world, I believe that reform is absolutely necessary. I support efforts to make health [care] more affordable and more accessible. While I continue to review that Health Care Access Resolution, I support the goal of providing access to all Americans.
   
   Doug Martin: While the ideal of quality health care for all is certainly noble, I do not support this Resolution because I believe that people who are fully capable of working and making a contribution to society should be able to do so and to provide for their own health care needs, with the difference in costs and what they can afford to be made up by private charity organizations. I believe it neither was at its founding nor should be today the intent of our nation to force one capable citizen to pay the bills of another fully capable citizen.

Remember, Election Day is November 5, 2002. Vote for the candidates of your choice!

LOAN BANK NEWS
The Assistive Technology Loan Bank at Independence, Inc. has the following "give-a-way" items on hand.

• Adult & youth Depends (diapers) all sizes.
• Adult & youth pads
• Blood testing (Diabetes) kits
• Test strips (Diabetes)
• Large assortment of braces and splints
• Bed pads (chux)
• Gauze and pads
• Ace bandages

We also have the following equipment to lend. 

• Canes
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs (manual)
• Hoyer lift
• Nebulizers
• Aids for daily living

If you are interested in any of these items, contact the Center at 785/841-0333 or 1-800-KAN DO IT.

COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER CLASSES
We still have some room in our November classes. We have a really good one coming up... Landscape Painting on the Computer. Step-by- step hands-on landscape painting using three popular software programs: MS Paint, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. for six days - Tuesday, November 5 through Wednesday, November 13 (no class November 11). For more information contact Independence, Inc. at 841-0333.

PELATHE FOOD PANTRY
Hours for the food pantry at the Pelathe Center, 15th and Haskell, are Monday and Thursday 1 - 4 p.m. If you would like to access the pantry you need to provide a photo ID for the head of the family, social security cards for all of the family members and income verification for the household. If you have questions, contact Carolyn Hicks or Melvina Yazzie at 841-7202.